Dhankuta, August 13

Litterateur Mukund Subedi alias ‘Prayash’ of Thakle in Pakhribas Municipality was not allowed to observe the rituals after his father’s death.

His family members and other society members did not allow him to do so at his ancestral home as he had married a Dalit woman. Hence, Prayash decided to observe his father’s death rituals in Dhankuta away from other family members. He concluded the rites within seven days, whereas his brothers are still observing the mourning rites at their home.

He completed his father’s mourning ritual in seven days today. His elder brothers — Govind, Durga and Chandramani — will conclude the death rituals in 13 days.

Yagya Prasad Subedi had died at the age of 88 on August 7.

Litterateur Prayash said that he had concluded the mourning rituals of his father’s death in just seven days as his society people prevented him from performing the post-death rites along with his brothers at home.

According to existing laws, caste discrimination is a crime that is punishable and the guilty is liable to be slapped a fine. “I will move ahead as per the existing law of the land,” Subedi said.

“I am the youngest son. But, I was barred from performing the post-death rites of my father with brothers for marrying a Dalit girl. Is it a crime to marry a Dalit girl?” He questioned.

Married to Maiya Rasaili of Dhankuta Municipality-10 in 1997, the family had accepted Subedi and his wife eight years after  their marriage.  When I and my wife were accepted by the family, we were not discriminated.

We used to hold discussions when faced with problems. My parents and brothers had accepted us, but something strange happened after my father’s demise, said Subedi.

The law of the land has it that nobody shall be discriminated on the basis of religion, caste, community, profession and job.

Anyone found guilty of an untouchability offence can be jailed for three months to three years or will be slapped a fine ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 25,000.